Detroit Tigers: With AL Central Clinched, Team Now Turns Focus to Home-Field

The Detroit Tigers took care of business on Friday night, clinching the AL Central for the first time since 1987.

Although it may now seem like a perfect time for manager Jim Leyland to play whatever wacky lineup his heart desires before the playoffs begin, it's not.

There's still critical ground left to be claimed on the AL landscape. Home-field advantage is at stake.

Yes, the Tigers are the hottest team in baseball right now. The team is looking like a juggernaut, but this is no time to let off the gas. The Motor City is abuzz because of the Tigers and Lions, but that doesn't mean things can't get better.

The Tigers are currently two games up on the Texas Rangers for the second-best record in the AL. What this means is that as of right now, the Tigers control their own destiny for home-field advantage for the American League Divisional Series.

Here's the kicker: the Tigers are now clipping at the heels of the New York Yankees for best record in the AL. The Yankees own a record of 90-59 and currently hold a three-game lead for best in the AL with two games in hand, but this feat is not out of reach for the Tigers.

If the Tigers accomplish this, the road to the World Series would run through Detroit.

Good news for Tigers fans, the Yankees have 13 straight games left to end the season. Even better for Detroit, the final 10 for the Yanks are against the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays.

With 11 games to go for the Tigers, the playoffs appear to be opening up in Detroit. Keep this in mind though, the fat lady has yet to sing. There's no reason to be satisfied at the moment. Satisfaction only begins with a ring.

Bottom line is that the Tigers should not be content. There's much more to be had in the 2011.

Sure, Jim Leyland should "rest" some players here and there, but it's no time to put his big bats into hibernation. This team is on a roll—let's keep it that way.